Christmas is the world’s greatest paradox. It is absolute humility harboring a glorious secret, the hinge of human history fastened to a barn door in Bethlehem. Each Christmas season kindles the flame of charity, especially for children. Charles Dickens observed, “its mighty Founder was a child himself.”
The Christmas season is infectious and inspirational. It fosters the belief that humble beginnings can produce far-reaching results. This was the case in 1903 in Copenhagen, Denmark. A postal clerk named Einar Holbøll was sorting Christmas mail when he saw a young girl and boy in rags trudging through the snow. Moved by the sight, he conceived the idea of special Christmas stamps. These inexpensive stamps, when affixed to mail, would generate funds to help poor children. Holbøll gained the support of the Postmaster and King Christian IX of Denmark, and in 1904, the world’s first Christmas Seal was issued.
Stamping out tuberculosis
The initial sales funded the construction of the Christmas Seal Sanatorium in Kolding, Denmark. The Danish National Association to Combat Tuberculosis soon took over, directing funds to help children with tuberculosis. The success of the Christmas Seals led to building a second hospital and their adoption worldwide.
Most seals feature the red double-barred cross of Lorraine, signifying the office of cardinal in the Church and used by the Knights Templar in the Crusades. The sales from these seals significantly reduced tuberculosis in children, marking the start of a public movement against the disease. Einar Holbøll was honored by the kings of Sweden and Italy, earning the title “Father of the Christmas Seal.”
Denmark’s philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, in “Works of Love,” cautioned against seeking perfection in love. Einar Holbøll, embodying the Christmas spirit, felt love for the children he saw. His imaginative and persistent efforts resulted in countless children worldwide benefiting from his initiative. Christmas, children, and charity remain a testament to this loving and creative unity.
